Iran-made rockets will take new satellites into orbit in coming weeks: Rouhani

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says domestically-manufactured rockets will carry two new satellites into orbit “in the coming weeks.”

Rouhani made the remarks during a ceremony held to commemorate the second passing anniversary of former president and chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in Tehran on Thursday.

Rouhani said, “Missiles are our defensive tool and we are proud of it,” adding, “In the coming weeks, we will send two new satellites into space using our domestically-built rockets.”

He also described Iran’s defense power and technology achievements as relics of Ayatollah Hashemi.

Space is a source of inspiration and Iran believes all states should be able to benefit from it. Final tests of 2 new Iranian satellites, before launching, which will constitute Iran's efforts on developing space technologies. pic.twitter.com/zYKw858PE0

The top Iranian diplomat was referring to Washington’s unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in defiance of international objections.

Since its JCPOA exit, the administration of US President Donald Trump has unleashed its “toughest ever” sanctions against Iran. It has also warned of severe penalties for companies that evade the bans and engage in business dealings with the Islamic Republic.

“A satellite with the resolution of 1,000 meters was due to be manufactured through international cooperation 10 years ago, but they (international partners) didn’t cooperate with Iran,” he tweeted.

“The program was changed and the production of a domestically-made satellite with a 25 times higher resolution was prolonged, but it was made to serve in agricultural, environmental and water management fields,” he added.